This week’s websites of the week come from www.studioCAPTURE.com and Storybook Wedding Photography.

James Tongol and David Bley of www.studioCAPTURE.com shot Jason and Lacey’s wedding at the Woodlands United Methodist Church and the Woodlands Resort in Texas. James recalls, “Jason and Lacey’s wedding was fantastic. The couple and their bridal party were fun and energetic. From their beautiful ceremony at the Woodlands United Methodist Church to the great time everyone had at the Woodlands Resort, they brought these images to life.”

Shelby and Evan’s engagement session was shot early on a cloudy winter morning by Sarah of Storybook Wedding Photography. Studio owner Jacquelyn Parnell recalls, “Even though there is plenty of time before Shelby and Evan’s 1940s, vintage-inspired wedding, they wanted to get their engagement pictures taken before Evan was deployed. We met the happy couple bright and early on one very un-bright morning. Despite this, we were able to produce some really great shots!

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.

Collages.net recently had the chance to talk to Hannah Hudson from StonehousePhoto in Bayfield, WI. Hannah recently launched her new blog, The Caffeinated Photographer, which provides business and marketing tips for photographers and other visual artists.

When did you create your blog?
This idea has been in the works for the past few months, but I first started writing on the blog about a month ago.

What do you write about on your blog?
I write business tips for artists of all kinds, not just for professional photographers. I see a lot of blogs out there that are very focused on one artistic aspect or medium and I found that there wasn’t a good business resource for all types of artists. It’s a great interactive resource for self-employed artists who are just starting out or need advice for their business.

What prompted you to create the blog?
I am really good at the business side of my studio and feel I have a great base of knowledge to share with others. I would receive countless e-mails from other artists every day asking how I started my photography studio. Even though I wanted to answer everyone’s questions, it got to be too overwhelming because I didn’t have the time for it. I must say that Collages.net has really helped me get this blog started. The reason I can now keep up with this new blog is because I no longer waste time order processing! Because I use the Full Service, automatic fulfillment option, I have the time to write articles and respond to inquiries.

Where did you find the information for your blog?
My tips come from my own experience, but I also have a great team of people who I reference for advice. I am a licensed insurance agent, but I ask for advice from my own insurance agent, from my accountant, and also my dad, who is a marketing guru.

Which entry has been your most popular entry so far?
The post about insurance, surprisingly. I think it’s been the most popular because it was very basic. For many people who don’t really know where to start with purchasing insurance for their business, a basic overview can really help.

How has your blog benefited your studio?
My blog introduced my own work to people who normally may not have noticed my work. I mostly shoot weddings, but many artists have contacted me to shoot their work so they can include images on their websites.

How do you incorporate social networking to promote your studio and blog?
My husband calls me the Facebook floozy because I use Facebook so much. I’ve found that Facebook is the most useful social networking site for me since I can upload photos and have an interactive experience with current and future clients. I also do consulting work for non-profit organizations who wanted to get started with social networking. I do use Twitter, too, but not nearly as much as Facebook.

What advice would you give to photographers who are just starting out in photography?
It will happen. I want people to know that they can do it and their efforts are not fruitless – don’t get down on yourself and don’t give up! Don’t get stressed. Concentrate on getting all your ducks in a row. It’s extremely important to be prepared so when you’re in your first client meeting, you’re not fumbling over your words. Make sure to have your prices available and make sure that you have a web presence.

Do you have a marketing tip that you would recommend that every photographer does?
Give back to your community. When I was first starting out, I offered to shoot photos for local non-profit organizations. It’s a great thing to put your name on and you can really talk up what you’re doing to gain more exposure. Just ask your favorite local nonprofit if they need photos. Overall, I think that if you’re a kind person, it will get you far.

What was important to you when looking for a blog vendor?
Ease of use was important as well as a vendor that wouldn’t create issues with viruses. I was using a different vendor in the past, but found it was really high maintenance and opened me up to a lot of viruses that could attack my computer. I switched my blog over to Blogspot because it’s low maintenance and easy to use.

What do you think is the benefit of having a blog?
A blog is a great way to get your images out there. For me, it shows people what’s currently on my plate and also keeps people coming back to view my work. I share a lot of personal details on my blog, which helps me to build a rapport with my clients. While my blog readers and I may not know each other personally,  it can give us something to talk about when we first meet up for a consultation.

We would like to thank Hannah for taking the time to talk to us about her blog. Let us know who you would like us to interview next by contacting customerservice@collages.net. Who knows, you may be next!

As a professional photographer, the products and services you provide are typically for those once-in-a-lifetime moments in a person’s life, which can make repeat business seem difficult to achieve. Do you think repeat business is impossible as a professional photographer? Think again. Repeat business is not only possible, but also provides your studio a steady stream of referrals.

Kathy Ziegler Art and Photography

How can you experience repeat business? Following up with your clients is key. After you shoot your client’s wedding, special event, or portrait session, send a hand-written thank you note letting your client know that you appreciate their business and you had a great time with them. This small, but personal touch leaves a lasting impression on clients.

Staying in touch with your clients via Twitter and Facebook is another easy way to make sure your studio stays on their mind. Sending messages or notes to your wedding clients on their first anniversary, maternity clients a card to congratulate their new arrival, or giving a senior a shout out on their graduation date will do wonders for your referrals. These are great ways to maintain contact in an authentic way. Small gestures like this remind past clients who you are, why they had a great time with you, and about the range of photography services you offer.

Once you’ve built a relationship with your clients, it’s important to offer incentives to those clients who refer other clients to you. Let them know you appreciate their referral by offering a referral program or bonuses, such as print credit or gift certificates. Finally, be sure to make your services unique to your clients. While they may have just gotten married and will never need a wedding photographer’s services again, most will need a maternity or children’s portrait photographer sometime later in their lives. When the time comes around, they’ll remember exactly who to call.

PW Photography

In the end, it all comes down to building and maintaining relationships with your clients. Make sure your clients understand how much they mean to your studio because they have the power of recommending your studio to family and friends.

This week’s websites of the week come from Exum Photography and Shewanders Photography.

Joey Seawell of Exum Photography shot Ashley and Stephen’s wedding at the Daniel Island Club in Charleston, SC. The classic details in accordance with the youthful, vintage spirit of the wedding party and guests made this wedding one to remember. As the light poured out from behind the clouds as the ceremony began, it was obvious that with this fun, vibrant, and very attractive couple, it would be close to impossible to take a bad photograph.

Suzanne Hansen of Shewanders Photography shot Kelly and Jeff’s engagement session at the De Young Museum and at the sculpture garden at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Suzanne recalls, “Kelly and Jeff are rad! My colleague Mike and I love photographing couples who are so in love and fun, so Kelly and Jeff were perfect for our style!”

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.

In order to make your life easier, Collages.net’s support team has compiled answers to your clients’ most frequently asked questions from how to order photos to how to use PictureChat on their event sites. In part one of our best practices series, we’ll provide directions on how to order photos and how to purchase prints using a photo credit gift certificate. Feel free to copy and paste these answers in response to your client’s e-mails.

How do I review the images?
First, you want to choose whether you would like to view the images as thumbnails or as a webshow. If the answer is webshow, then select the option on the left of the screen called Webshow. If you want to view the thumbnails, then select one of the categories below the Webshow option.

How do I buy photos from the event site?
You may add pictures to your shopping cart by clicking on the Order Prints function available underneath each image or to the right of the image in the webshow view. After you have selected the desired image, you will want to select the size and quantity you wish to purchase and then click the Add button, before you continue shopping or complete your purchase. If at any time you would like to review your cart, click the Shopping Cart tab at the top of the event site.

How do I link my event to Facebook?
Link your event site to your Facebook page so your friends and family can easily access your photos. Click here to log in to Collages.net’s Facebook application and enter the event site username and password. For more detailed directions or for directions on how to add the application to your Facebook wall, visit our online support center.

How do I use my photo credit or gift certificate?
If you have received a photo credit from your photographer or a gift certificate from a friend, you will be prompted to use it in the final step of the order check-out process. When you get to this step, apply the code that was sent to you in the e-mail, by typing it exactly how it appears. Then select update. The total amount due will adjust before you select Place Order.

Are there questions your clients frequently ask about their Collages.net Event Site? E-mail them to customerservice@collages.net. Who knows, the answer might be featured on our next best practices post!

We recently had the chance to speak to Tyler Schmitt of Schmitt Photography in Austin, TX about his studio.

When did you start shooting?
I first started shooting when I was about ten years old. My dad was a photographer who traveled the Indy car circuit during the 1960s and 70s and I got to hang out behind the scenes. From there, I started to develop my skills and decided to go to school and earned a degree in graphic design and photography. After that, I took a job as a graphic designer for a steady paycheck, but I also worked as an art director and opened my photography studio on the side. I started working full time for my studio in 2004.

How would you describe your style?
Awesome! I’d say it’s very fun, very spontaneous, and shows lots of energy. I try to make everything I shoot fun and genuine, which I think makes my images timeless. I strive for everything not to be of the latest fad, but for things to be genuine. I’d say I have a blend of modern, kick-butt style.

Who or what are your influences?
I live here in Austin and we have so many great photographers in town, so some of my buddies influence me. There aren’t a lot of photographers’ blogs that I follow. I find influence from everything from fashion magazines to more classic photographers like Dorothea Lang rather than celebrity wedding photographers.

What do you love shooting?
I really love shooting the bride and groom getting ready – it’s a lot of fun. There’s so much anticipation and there’s so much tension, but excitement. Once the bride puts the dress on, she’s concerned about how she looks, but before that, she’s just having so much fun.

What is the best part of the wedding day?
About 50% of my couples choose to do first glances, and I really love that part of the day using the zoom lens and shooting from a distance.

Do you shoot alone or do you use a second shooter?
I have a few different second shooters, which is a really great thing about Austin. We have a lot of really good, young talented people from the University of Texas or other photographers who are starting out, but have open dates.

What gear do you use?
I use disposable cameras. Just kidding! I use the Canon 5D Mark II.

Do you have a favorite lens?
I’d say it’s probably the 85 1.2 or the 70-200 2.8.

Do you use Facebook or other social networking sites?
I use Facebook and I really love it because one of my favorite things is trying to friend all of my clients. I just did an engagement session and tagged the bride and groom in all the photos and I’ve been sneaking around and viewing their pages to see what their friends say about their photos, which is the most truthful way to get feedback. I also do a lot of family portraits because of my wife and two little ones. My wife takes care of the entire business side of my studio, but being a mom, she will set up playgroups with her friends and will hand out my business cards. As long as I get one mom out of that play group, then I know I’ll get more. They’ll share everything on Facebook and then I get referrals. I’m definitely conscious that people use Facebook and I use it to my advantage.

Do you have a favorite venue or location that you love to shoot?
There are several here in town that I love. We do a few destination weddings a year, but I really love the Star Hill Ranch in town. It’s a country western kind of movie set, which has a very unique set of buildings. There is an old west saloon and main street there that they dress up to give a Texas chic look. There’s just so much to shoot there!

What was the best business decision you’ve made?
About two years ago we got an actual studio. It’s a place where I can have all my meetings and have samples of my work covering the walls. I’m by no means a studio photographer, but it gives me a professional looking space to meet with my clients.

Do you ever run promotions or specials for your clients?
About six times a year, we shoot mini portrait sessions. We’re really lucky to have blue bonnets around here and we shoot in 30 minute blocks of time where families can come in with their kids and we can rock out. We also provide some specials on our albums from time to time.

When people leave your studio, what impression do you want them to leave with?
I want them to be completely confident and feel good about what they saw in my work and feel good about me. The lucky thing is that when people come into my studio, they know they’re going to spend money on wedding photography.  I don’t have to sell how important the photos are; they’ve already made that decision. It’s just a matter of who they’re going to pay at this point. I want them to feel completely comfortable with everything. I encourage them to meet with other photographers, so come the wedding day, they are completely sold on me and confident.

What is your favorite Collages.net product or service and why?
I really love the Brilliant Albums. When they first came out, we had a few samples for bridal fairs in Austin and people would walk by and stop and look at them all the time. I love the little bit of metallic sheen - they have so much life. A leather album, to me, is a missed opportunity when you don’t have the full bleed cover. I love them! Since my wife does all of our bookkeeping, one of my her favorite things is that we can keep track of everything in one place because we use Collages.net for everything. I also absolutely love the Holiday Re-Launch. When we first were a part of it year ago, I didn’t think people would really jump on it, but now we pretty much depend on it. I now call it my Christmas bonus. We actually had our biggest reprint order ever recently due to the Holiday Re-launch!

We would like to thank Tyler for taking the time to talk to us about his studio. Let us know who you would like us to interview next by contacting customerservice@collages.net. Who knows, you may be next!

This week’s websites of the week come from Limelight Photography and Kristen Weaver Photography.

Rebecca Zoumberos of Limelight Photography shot Lani and Wesley’s wedding in Bimini, Bahamas. Rebecca recalls, “Bimini, surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters, served as the perfect backdrop for their destination wedding. All events for this three-day affair took place at the luxurious Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. The beach-chic vibe carried over to the casually elegant poolside dinner, featuring turquoise hues representing the ocean, bright orange accents reflecting the sun, and warm romantic candlelight. The reception ended with each guest lighting a wish lantern and letting it float away into the night sky. The celebration continued on the beach, complete with a bonfire, s’mores, a local drumming band, and dancing.”

Kristen Weaver of Kristen Weaver Photography shot Lindsey and Jason’s engagement session in Celebration, Florida. Kristen recalls, “I shot Lindsey and Jason’s engagement session in Celebration, Florida because of all the great areas in close proximity: bridges, storefronts, and Kilwin’s Ice Cream! It was pouring down rain the entire night and all that morning, but to our delight, it actually cleared up for a quick two-hour window right as we began the shoot. The cloud cast overhead created perfect lighting and created a sexy feel for the engagement session! I couldn’t have asked for better clients, or for a better shoot!”

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which provides your studio a great opportunity to run specials and share the love with your clients. Here are a few suggestions for specials to run for Valentine’s Day that will not only help provide extra income, but will also create a buzz about your studio:

• Have clients send Valentine’s Day cards with your studio name on them. Wouldn’t it be great to have your studio name in front of hundreds of people this Valentine’s Day? Suggest to your clients that they send personalized Valentine’s Day cards this year, and make sure you include your studio logo. Your clients will do your studio marketing for you when the cards are mailed to family and friends. With collagesColor’s low prices, personalized Valentines can fit into any client’s budget.

• Shoot and design children’s Valentine’s Day cards. Spend one day shooting several children’s portraits at your studio and design each portrait into a personalized Valentine. Print these Valentines as photographic cards and order through collagesColor + ROES. You also have the option of using our free card templates. For children in elementary school, design the cards as wallets to pass out at school. Again, don’t forget your studio logo in the design. Remember to shoot your own children’s Valentines, too!

• Share the love with your clients by offering a Valentine’s Day booking discount. Run a limited-time special for couples who book their wedding between now and Valentine’s Day. Offer a matching parent album when they include an album in their package, a free set of 50 thank you cards, or a discount on their total package.

• Set up a “kissing booth” in your studio. Host a Valentine’s Day party at your studio and invite past and current clients and their families. This is a great way to create a buzz about your studio. Set up a “kissing booth” where you can shoot both couples and families in a fun and festive environment. Upload the photos to a Full Service, Premium Website and gain additional profit. Sell photo credits to your client on the day of the event to use when the site becomes live.

• Send your clients a Valentine from the studio. Send past clients a Valentine using Collages.net Press Printed Cards. On the Valentine, include a special discount on prints and products. Make sure to include your studio logo and contact information on the back of the cards for a smart marketing strategy. You could even use a cheesy code word to allow your studio to track the effectiveness of the mailing.

• Make your mark as a child portrait photographer. Host a make your own card day. Invite clients and their children into your studio for a two-day event. First, a day of shooting and then a day of craft making. Print images from the shoot day as 4X6 prints through collagesColor + ROES at only $.29 cents per print. Then offer a free 4×6 print and construction paper for your clients to make a personalized card. Post all images on a Full Service, Premium Website and gain additional profit. Sell photo credits to your clients on the day of the event to use when the site becomes live.

Share your personalized Valentines or Valentine’s Day party photos with Collages.net! E-mail customerservice@collages.net and we’ll post them to our Facebook fan page.

Photo Credit: Small Wonders Photography, Robert & Kathleen Photographers

Are your resolutions the same for 2010 as they were for 2009? At the end of each year, most of us make the same resolutions year after year. Whether you want to lose weight, break a bad habit, or make an improvement in your life, most resolutions are broken shortly after the new year begins because they can be difficult to stick to. This year, Collages.net created a list of ten resolutions for 2010 to experience both personal and professional success. Feel free to comment and add your own as well.

1. Implement Collages.net’s cycle of success into your studio’s workflow.
You know how to take great photos, but do you know what to do before, during, and after the time you shoot an event to maximize profits? Take the guesswork out of creating the plan of action for your next event. Collages.net has visualized a proven cycle of success used by our most successful photography studios. This plan of action takes you from the time an event or session is booked through the time you send thank you cards to your clients.

2. Spend more time marketing your studio.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a veteran, marketing your photography studio is key to booking clients. If potential clients don’t know you exist, how can they book you? Make your presence known by marketing your studio in creative ways. Collages.net has compiled several simple, but effective marketing tips that are proven to grow your business and we come out with more every month. Try implementing some of these suggestions into your studio’s workflow this year. What do you have to lose?

3. Blog regularly.
It’s a fact - the more unique and relevant content you have posted to your blog or website, the better your SEO will be. Blogging regularly will also keep past and future clients addicted to your blog and studio. Post every wedding, event, portrait, and engagement session you shoot on your blog with relevant content and descriptions of your photos to give your visitors a sense of your personality. Blogging can too easily get lost in the shuffle because it is time consuming. The rewards of consistent blogging are huge. If you don’t believe us, ask a few of our favorite bloggers.

4. Exercise more often.
Stretch, stretch, and stretch even more! Relieve your sore back, neck, and shoulder muscles after long days of shooting. Consider yoga - a relaxing, low intensity workout that stretches your muscles and clears your mind. For wedding photographers who often spend hours on their feet, try low impact exercises like swimming or biking. The more you exercise, the better you’ll feel after a long day on your feet. It will also help you stay more alert as you sit at your desk editing images.

5. Jump into social networking.
Social networking benefits your studio in numerous ways. Not only can you connect with other professional photographers, but also vendors, past clients, and future clients. Facebook and Twitter are two free and easy-to-use sites that allow your studio to connect with a limitless number of potential clients. Social networks also provide the support you need. Join your community of peers on social networking sites to share information that is relevant to you both personally and professionally. If you  are not sure what to do on Twitter, check out what other professional photographers do on Twitter or Twitter 101 for Professional Photographers.

6. Update your studio’s product samples.
Do you have samples that show off brides wearing puffy, cap sleeved dresses that look like they came straight from 1985? It might be time to update your samples. Even if you’ve purchased samples within the past year, make sure your studio has samples of every product you offer including brilliant albums, high gloss finish books, and press printed cards in multiple sizes. If you do not show the products, your clients will not buy them.

7. Sell cards differently to gain more referrals.
Your studio may push cards for major holidays, as save the dates, wedding invitations, and baby announcements, but think of cards in a different way this year. Try selling cards to your clients close to cost and view the small mark-up as a marketing expense. When you include your logo and contact information on the back of press printed cards, your clients are doing all of the marketing work for you! When you sell your studio’s cards at a lower rate, your clients will be more likely to make the purchase and will happily send them to friends and family members; all potential referrals for your studio.

8. Eat a healthier diet.
In addition to exercising, try eating a healthier diet to experience more energy. Pack low fat, high fiber snack bars in your bag along with nuts, dried fruits, and other healthy snacks to keep your energy up and hunger down when shooting an event or portrait sessions. Instead of frequenting the nearest drive through after not eating a bad vendor meal prepare ahead! Make a healthy dinner before the event and keep it ready in the refrigerator for when you get home. If you can’t make it without eating before going home, opt for healthier options. Your stomach will thank you in the morning. Most importantly, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. When the long day of editing hits you, head for water instead of your normal caffeine fix. Don’t get us wrong, caffeine has its place, just not as a replacement for water.

9. Spend more time with your family and friends.
One of the keys to a happy life is balance. Nobody can be happy when there are no breaks from work. Thankfully, Collages.net understands this balance and provides a studio workflow solution that will keep you from those long all-nighters so you can spend more time with your family and friends. Doesn’t that sound nice? Think about all the time you spend designing albums. Do you want that time back? Collages.net will give it to you with out $1 an image album design workflow that maximizes an effective online workflow for you and your clients. Yes, dreams really can come true.

10. Take the time to relax and focus on yourself.
Nobody can do it all, all the time. Remember to take some time out of each day to focus on yourself, even if it’s just for five or ten minutes. When you really need it, splurge on a massage to recover after a long day of being on your feet or treat yourself to the new piece of gear you’ve been eyeing for months. Remember that Collages.net’s sole purpose is to make your life easier, so give yourself a break by outsourcing print fulfillment and album design. You deserve it! If you are ready to streamline your studio’s workflow and make your life easier this year. Call us and we will help.

Tell us what you think and share your new year’s resolutions with us by leaving a comment!

This week’s websites of the week come from Inbal More Photography, Inc. and Jessica Purvis Photography.

Inbal More and Gideon Schneider of Inbal More Photography shot Desiree and Brent’s engagement session at the Federal Hill Park in Baltimore, MD. Inbal recalls, “We clicked with Des and Brent right away, which made the whole shoot flow smoothly and naturally. We had a great time and ended up with a bunch of very nice images in addition to new friends. Des and Brent loved their pictures so much that they gave framed copies to each of their guests as wedding favors.”

Jessica Purvis of Jessica Purvis Photography shot Ondrea and Ben’s wedding at the luxury hotel, Mansion on Peachtree, in Atlanta, GA. Jessica recalls, “It was an extremely chilly and windy day, but it made for great veil blowing during the bride’s outdoor portraits. Ondrea was such a trooper the entire time!”

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.